West Indies cricketing legend Chris Gayle believes that Rohit Sharma-led India are the favourites to win the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The mega event is scheduled to start from February 19 and will be played in a hybrid model where matches featuring India and one of a semifinal will take place in Dubai and the rest of the matches will take place in Pakistan's Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore. The venue for the Champions Trophy final depends on India's performance, if India manages to qualify for the final it will take place in the state of UAE, otherwise, Pakistan will host the summit clash on March 9.
Pakistan will enter the tournament as defending champions and they will play the tournament's opener against New Zealand on February 19 at National Stadium in Karachi.
In the exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, West Indies cricketing legend Chris Gayle believes that Team India are the favourites to win any championship or trophy.
"India are the favourites to win any championship or trophy" Gayle told Sports Tak.
The ICC has divided teams into two Groups where Group A of the tournament features current Champions Trophy holders and hosts Pakistan, along with India, New Zealand and Bangladesh and Group B features Cricket World Cup 2023 champions Australia, alongside Afghanistan, England and South Africa.
Team India who were the last edition's finalists will start their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20. Rohit Sharma-led side will face arch-rivals Pakistan in their second league match which will take place on February 23. India will face New Zealand for their third league match which will take place on March 2.